A water line broke at South Elizabeth and East Clark streets early Friday morning, J.R. Steigerwald said.
“When you have an open break you’re required to advise the people to boil their water for 24 hours,” he said.
The samples must sit for 24 hours to determine if bacteria grows. If bacteria is detected, residents will be advised.
The water is safe to use for bathing, washing clothes and doing dishes, he said.
“If you’re making coffee, you should be safe,” Steigerwald said.
He was alerted and the problem was traced to the break. At that time he had to decide whether to have personnel try to fix the break at night or in the daytime.
But, the repair had to wait until a dialysis center at Burlington and McLean streets finished treating patients.